Wednesday, August 11, 2010

When they handed [Jesus] a Roman coin, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” - Matthew 22:18b-21

The determining factor of ownership is the imprinted image or likeness of the object. Jesus told the crafty Pharisees that since coins were made with Caesar's likeness Caesar has the right to them.

Focus on that last part of Jesus' statement, "give to God what belongs to God". This was not a lesson on money but on ownership.

"God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." - Genesis 1:27

God's image has been etched on our lives, by rights he possesses legitimate ownership. God is not interested in our money, he wants us.

"Lord, you made me in your image and rightfully deserve my life. Come take possession and use me for your purposes" - Amen.